Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick

Al Qareem made it three successive wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the sort of identified front-running efficiency that has become his hallmark.


Karl Burke's stalwart has actually now won 12 of his 34 races, declaring over ₤ 700,000 in prize cash for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.


While never allowed to totally do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a real endurance test, and although Hamish seemed travelling strongly it quickly ended up being clear Al Qareem had plenty left.


The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on powerfully in spite of the headwind to win by 6 lengths from Tenability, a of Hamish, who remained on for second.


Burke said: "He installed a great, tough efficiency. We understand he's a brave horse and he went hard.


"I said to Clifford do not be afraid to go hard, particularly out of Swinley Bottom, as he might nick a few lengths and get the others at it because all he does is keep galloping. You can do that over a mile and a half on soft ground and whereas one-mile-six is most likely his real trip, anything above that he just lacks stamina.


Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a third time (Steven Paston/PA)


"He's a terrific warrior and it's an excellent outcome."


Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his extraordinary recent run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 preferred) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.


Jamie Spencer was on board, simply as he was when winning another valuable reward over course and distance last month.


Burke stated: "It was a fantastic performance and he's constantly threatened to do what he's performed in his last 2. I believe the visor has actually made the difference and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.


"Everything has actually fallen right for him the last twice and he will return to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.


"He'll have a 6lb penalty but remains in terrific kind at present."